Manchester United fans could see JJ Gabriel make his first team debut today
JJ Gabriel has already impressed for Man United's age group sides(Image: Getty Images)
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Fans will feel they have had to wait a very long time but finally they could get a chance to watch JJ Gabriel play a first team match for Manchester United. The teenager was too young to qualify for Premier League minutes last season but thrived at academy level and there is huge excitement around his potential.
Gabriel, who doesn't turn 16 until October, has earned plaudits from United's coaching staff already. He was invited to train with the first team last season and is in the squad to face Rosenborg in Trondheim this Friday.
The youngster scored an incredible 23 goals in 23 appearances in the Under-18 Premier League last season. He also scored three times in the FA Youth Cup, where United ended up losing to Manchester City in the final.
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It is no surprise to learn manager Michael Carrick is a fan, given his willingness to bring Gabriel into the fold as part of a travelling squad which also includes senior stars and England internationals Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw. However, former caretaker boss Darren Fletcher also had very positive things to say about the wonderkid.
In March, Carrick praised Gabriel after outlining why he couldn't yet use the player in the Premier League. "He's not allowed, he's too young," the manager said. "JJ is a big talent, it's pretty obvious to know that and he's had a really good season for the Under-18s.
"We obviously think an awful lot of him, but patience is important in managing everything that comes with that and working with him in development as we do with all the different younger players and picking the right moment to step up. What he's done when he's trained, he's done well as you'd expect and it's good to have the younger players come up with us."
Chido Obi and JJ Gabriel travelling with Man United to Trondheim
Gabriel is part of United's pre-season friendly squad along with fellow youngster Chido Obi(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Fletcher, who has coached Gabriel at Under-18s level, was similarly glowing. He suggested the player would have been ready for first team football last season if allowed and suggested in May that a pre-season opportunity was unlikely to daunt him.
"JJ’s an amazing talent and has an enthusiasm for football that he brings to the pitch every day: to learn, to want to play and be on the ball," the Scot told The Athletic. "He’s been a pleasure to work with. He’s a fantastic kid."
Speaking more directly about first-team chances, he added: “Once you get thrown in there, you’re judged very, very quickly, rightly or wrongly. It’s important that we do right by his development.
"JJ’s more than capable to go in, as are a lot of our young players. They all get experiences with the first team. It goes under the radar how many of our young players get tastes of the first team.”
Gabriel isn't the only teenager in the squad to face Rosenborg, though he is the youngest. Others have already received a taste of senior football, with Fletcher's twin sons Jack and Tyler (both 19) in the travelling group, along with 18-year-old striker Chido Obi.